Scope and Contents

Talked with Mr. Mason and Mr. Tayloe about William's estate; Mr. Mason made a new proposition which he accepted; encloses a copy of the agreement [not present]; the terms of the agreement; feels that it is better to be certain of things than it would be to deal with a lawsuit; they must stick to the bargain, which there should be no reason to complan about; he and Mr. Mason agreed not to speak of the bargain in public, because it might keep people from attending the sale; the sale of William's furniture, boat, and farm animals; paid Walker Maury back for the money he loaned to William; thinks [William]'s things should be stored in Alex[andri]a until April or May; news of family; his travel plans; James has been staying with Eliza since he has to talk to Brodie Herndon about the re-internment; spoke with Mr. Vass about their affairs; James wants to leave for New Orleans after he took the things to Alexandria; does not think this is a good idea; thinks James should deal withthe disinternment and shipping the goods; (18 December) James got the boxes; James is asking about a schooner to take the grain to Alexandria; instructions he gave James about bills of landing; Willian Quisenberry will send his stage down to her whenever she is ready for it; he will also take care of the disinterment and reinternment; James is going today to select a plot in the new Episcopal burying ground; James will stop by Alex[andri]a on his way to Baltimore to check on things; J.M. Herndon approves of the agreement he made with John Tayloe; sends regards; asks her to let the neighbor who is good at packing china to help her out. 7 pp. ALS